Biden Says Bloomberg’s Endorsement Resonates as Call for Unity

Joe Raedle/Getty Images(FT. DODGE, Iowa) – Hours after New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced his support of President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden cited Bloomberg’s endorsement as a call for the country to unite together, regardless of political affiliation.

“When Mayor Bloomberg did his announcement today in support of our ticket, the essence of what he said, the essence of what he said was, ‘We’ve got to work together. We’ve all got to be in this together. We’ve got to stop this … blue and red. We’re a purple nation, man. We’re made of Democrats, and, we really are,’” Biden said at the Fort Dodge Museum Opera House in Iowa.

Bloomberg, who identifies as an independent, made his endorsement Thursday afternoon via an op-ed on his personal website, citing climate change as the reason for his support.

“Our climate is changing. And while the increase in extreme weather we have experienced in New York City and around the world may or may not be the result of it, the risk that it might be – given this week’s devastation – should compel all elected leaders to take immediate action,” Bloomberg said.

Biden has had kind words to say about Bloomberg in recent days as the New York mayor leads relief efforts in his city in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. In Ocala, Fla. Wednesday, Biden noted that Bloomberg “is one hell of a guy.”

The vice president said he spoke to President Obama Thursday about Bloomberg’s endorsement, saying, “a good friend of mine and ours was going to endorse us today, and he did.” Biden told the crowd President Obama was campaigning in Nevada Thursday but always kept his mind on Iowa, the place which launched his presidential career.

“We’re criss-crossing the country, but he sent his love and affection. He knows he’s president of the United States because of the state of Iowa,” Biden said.